VA - Full Circle: A Tribute To Gene Clark (2000)

Most tribute albums feel somewhat inconsistent and cobbled together, but it's clear right from the start that the double-disc Full Circle: A Tribute to Gene Clark has higher ambitions. At a hefty 36 songs with a minimum of typical tribute-album filler, this is a respectful, even reverential treatment of Clark's music, a tribute in the truest sense of the word. Even more importantly, the producers have ensured that all facets of Clark's career have been covered here -- not just his most renowned work with the Byrds, but also his solo material and his stints with Dillard & Clark and the Gosdin Brothers. There are even several previously unreleased songs by Clark himself. Some of the artists present include Steve Wynn, the Long Ryders' Sid Griffin (who also pens the detailed historical liner notes), Chris Von Sneidern, the Shazam, Bobby Sutliff (formerly of the Windbreakers), Carla Olson, Frank "Jackson" Blake (a band featuring the BMX Bandits' Francis MacDonald and Teenage Fanclub's Norman Blake), Bill Lloyd, Myracle Brah, the Kennedys, Walter Egan, and George Usher, among others; most of the songs are exclusive to this compilation, and Clark's brother Rick and son Kai also make musical appearances. While there are the odd tracks here and there that don't quite click, overall this is a package assembled with great care and thoughtfulness, not to mention a high level of quality control. This is one of those rare tribute albums that will leave devoted fans feeling their hero has been done justice.